I agree with the Yagyu tradition. I was lucky enough to start aikido in a dojo where the beginner classes were taught by the dojo-cho (currently a seventh dan shihan) and in which many dan level students participated. I was partnered with a 5th dan for my first sankyo practice, it's been one of my favorites ever since. I think this very high level of instruction went quite a ways at getting me hooked on the art from the start and contributes to the success of this particular dojo in recruiting quality dedicated students.